News – News
8 April 2024
Also joining the previously announced judges is Marie Nicod, Investment Director at Expansion Ventures, a pan European private venture capital company dedicated to Europe’s rising New Space and New Air Mobility sectors.
David Saint-Jacques and Marie Nicod join an experienced panel of judges with deep expertise across space tech, water purification and commercialisation of space ventures.
Applications to the Aqualunar Challenge close today, at 3pm BST (Monday 8th April). The judges will select up to 10 finalists who will receive a £30,000 grant to develop and test their technology.
New capacity development support for Aqualunar innovators announced
As well as financial support, finalists will also have access to capacity development support to help develop their technologies. In addition to the intensive and tailored support provided by delivery partners Exotopic and Isle, further support will be provided to innovators by Frazer Nash Consultancy and Weir who are joining the Aqualunar Challenge as supporters.
Frazer-Nash will provide a unique pitching opportunity that would see the winning teams presenting to a panel of experts from the KBR Science & Space (S&S) Division and Venture and Acquisitions. KBR’s S&S division is a world-leading spaceflight support organisation with over 60 years of experience. They operate globally, providing solutions for NASA, federal civilian agencies, the U.S. Department of Defense, and commercial customers. Their team of experts is passionate about space exploration, health innovation, engineering, technological breakthroughs, and scientific research.
This is expected to be a multi-hour hybrid event in which teams can present their team and technology, engage with technical and commercial experts from Frazer-Nash, receive feedback and be considered for further support or investment from Frazer-Nash or KBR.
Weir will offer advice and support relating to the terrestrial applications of lunar water filtration technology, particularly in the natural resources sector. They will be on hand to advise finalist teams on product development, R&D evolution, engineering expertise, business planning and manufacturing for the natural resources sector.
About the Aqualunar Challenge
The UK track of the Aqualunar Challenge has two stages: in the first stage, which runs until 8 April 2024, applicants develop proposals that respond to the challenge. Then in the second stage, which runs until January 2025 the 10 best teams from stage 1 receive funding and support to develop their designs and build their technology.
